Whether you need to get health insurance for the first time or you already have a plan and want to switch, you’ve come to the right place. Use our tools and resources to better understand how to choose a health plan and the steps for buying or renewing health insurance. Getting Health Insurance for the First Time during Open Enrollment If you don’t currently have a health insurance plan, use our step-by-step resources to make choosing a plan and enrolling easy. All Americans are required to have health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act. You can avoid paying a penalty by enrolling in a health insurance plan during 2017 Open Enrollment from November 1, 2016, through January 31, 2017. Changing or Renewing Health Plans during Open Enrollment If you already have health insurance, you can renew your current plan or buy a new plan. Learn more about what to do when you already have health insurance. Buying a Health Plan Outside of Open Enrollment If you didn't buy a health plan before 2017 Open Enrollment ended on January 31, 2017, learn about how you can still buy a plan this year if you had a qualifying life event.